Moscow's tropical storm on Friday could break a 50-year rainfall record

The “FOBOS” weather center is putting Moscow on alert for a tropical storm this Friday evening. Meteorologists warn that the downpour could break a 50-year-old record, subjecting the city to thunderstorms, hail, and winds that could reach 45 miles per hour (20 meters a second).

The heavy rain is expected to begin around 3 p.m. on Friday and continue uninterrupted until the late evening, possibly dumping almost 1.6 inches (up to 44 millimeters) of rain over just a few hours — half the monthly average.

The storm’s peak will be between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., during which time 75 percent of the rainfall is expected. Weather experts warn that Moscow could experience flooding, as well as winds strong enough to knock down trees, billboards, and some roofs. Power outages are possible. “FOBOS” meteorologists say the storm will bring uniquely strong and dangerous wind gusts to Russia's capital.

In late May, an unprecedented thunderstorm ripped through Moscow, killing 16 people and injuring 168. Wind speeds reached 62 miles per hour (28 meters a second). Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin later promised 1 million rubles (almost $18,000) to each of the families of Muscovites killed in the storm.